Tourism Industry Faces Tax Crunch Amid Pandemic-Induced Losses

The payment of the professional tax (ex-patent) coincides with other tax deadlines: the regularization of IS for 2019, the payment of the 1st IS installment for those who had opted for the postponement of the 1st, the payment of the 2nd installment for taxpayers who did not request the exemption before June 15..., reports L’Économiste.

Many taxpayers are struggling to pay this tax and these taxes. This is the case for tourism professionals. Several establishments will not currently or after the lifting of the state of health emergency be able to pay, especially this tax, after three months of inactivity, without the slightest income.

Reopening is only planned for September in certain regions, says Brahim Bahmad, president of the Circle of Tax Specialists of Morocco (CFM). On the ground, it is clear that some structures have remained closed for economic reasons or by administrative decision.

The situation of the majority of tourism companies is far from rosy. The CFM has also sent a memorandum to the Ministry of Finance in which it proposes "an exceptional 50% reduction in local taxes based on investment for the sectors hardest hit: professional tax, tax on undeveloped land..." . For the circle, it would also be fairer to reimburse companies that have already paid these taxes.